There has been a railway station at Bitton, close to Bristol, for many years, but when Lord Beeching listed the station for closure, along with the whole of the Mangotsfield to Bath Branch, and the Somerset Dorset Railway, the local people were devastated. Bitton Station, together with Mangotsfield, Warmley, Kelston, Weston and Bath, had been in continuous service since 1869, but from 8th September 1962, all through trains were diverted via Oxford and Reading.
The route follows the Avon Valley south-east from Oldland Common. It passes through Bitton and runs alongside the River Avon towards Kelston and Bath. The preservation of the railway is managed by the Avon Valley Railway Heritage Trust, who operate trains for education and instructional purposes. At Bitton the work of preserving railway heritage, both trains and buildings, is an on-going project carried out by a team of dedicated volunteers.
A Nostalgic Day Out for All the Family
There are plenty of interesting things to see at the Avon Valley Railway such as locomotives, carriages and wagons, in various states of repair and restoration. Many have been rescued from scrap-merchant's yards.
The massive steam engines stir up memories of the clackety-clack of wheels, and hissing steam billowing along the tracks. For the children, it's all new and exciting. The Booking Hall and Booking Office feel just like an old country station. There is a shop and a new buffet building, built in keeping with existing buildings. The entire site is fully accessible with disabled toilets located in the buffet building. Even the family dog is welcome as long as it is kept under control.
Thomas the Tank Engine at Avon Valley Railway
Entrance to the station is free. A Souvenir platform ticket can be bought in the office, along with tickets for train rides and special events such as Days Out with Thomas. Children will see 'Thomas the train', 'The Fat Controller', 'Sir Topham Hatt', 'Toad', 'Daisy', 'Troublesome Trucks' and 'Bulgy the Bus'. A day ticket includes face painting, magic shows, Punch & Judy shows, fairground rides, miniature railway, and of course, the all-important train ride pulled by Thomas. Young visitors can get a Junior Engineer Certificate and a Thomas Badge.
Other Activities at Avon Valley Railway
There are plenty of other activities at the Avon Valley Railway. For example, Children's birthday parties can be held on a preserved train, or children can bring their Teddy Bears to the Teddy Bears' picnic. Children who do bring their bears on these special days travel free of charge on the trains.
For the adults there's the Bitton Bistro, or Steam and Cuisine. Enjoy a First Class dining experience aboard a heritage steam train. How many small boys wanted to drive trains? Learn to drive a steam locomotive on a Driver Experience Course. Other events include murder mystery evenings, a Real Ale Festival and the annual Vintage Bus Rally. Also popular, during late December and early January, are Sherry and Mince Pie Specials. Last but not least: what could be more exciting than a visit to Santa at Christmas?
Further information regarding regular opening days, and special events, can be obtained from Avon Valley Railway.
Frances Spiegel - Frances Spiegel, B.A. Hons. (Open)., Dip.Eur.Hum., read Art History/European Modern History at the Open University.
